Space maximizing means for keeping or storing bicycles

ABSTRACT

A kit includes a foldable handlebar and pedal-cranks which may be mounted in any type of bicycle available in the market, allowing for a significant reduction in the necessary storage space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The following utility model presents as an innovative idea, a system of folding of a few parts of a generic bicycle, allowing for a significant reduction in the necessary storage space, therefore maximizing the space required for that purpose.

[0002] As it is well known, because of the standard width of the steering system, the handlebars, of the bicycles produced up to now, the space needed to store a bicycle, whether hanging or leaning against the wall, is the same as the width of its handlebar, usually between 55 and 60 cm (see illustrated example 1, which includes photos 1 a, 1 b and 1 c). The space loss situation gets worse when you need to store more than one bicycle, as you would need more space, even if the direction of storage is alternated.

[0003] Another contributing factor to the large space needed between the bicycles are the pedals, which when put side to side, create an undesirable distance between bikes (see illustrated example 2, which includes photos 2 a and 2 b).

[0004] A similar and awkward situation occurs when one must put one, two, or more bicycles on a rear-mounted automobile bike rack (see illustrated example 3, consisting of photo 3).

[0005] The existence of folding bicycle systems exclusively for means of transport is already known and published in a technical state, without, however, being available in the examples above mentioned and in the objectives of this application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention solves, in general, the problem caused by a lack of space for storing bicycles, through the fast and easy folding of the handlebars and pedal-cranks, the parts which extend beyond their axles. With the space optimization system for the storage of bicycle presented by utility model invention, any bicycle of any size or type of rim will have a reduced width, of the same size as its axles, with or without a gear system (see illustrated example 4, consisting of photo 4).

[0007] As an advantage, the invention allows, for the fastening of the steering system, by folding the handlebar of a men's size frame, not allowing any oscillation of the front wheel (see illustrated example 5, which includes photos 5 a and 5 b), and facilitating its assembly and, therefore, transportation or storage on the roof rack of cars, on hanging racks on the wall or the rear racks of cars.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] It's important to mention that the plane of force of this handlebar folding system demanded of the cyclist (represented by B), whether pushing or pulling the bike, is perpendicular to the plane of folding (represented by A), according to FIG. 1 attached.

[0009] To illustrate the object of the invention we present at FIG. 2 an illustrative example of the kit to transform any kind of bicycle in a foldable bicycle comprising of a set of foldable handlebars and a set of folding cranks.

[0010] Below, it will be seen some features of the possible proposed folding systems for the handlebar, which can be seen in greater detail in the respective figures.

[0011]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the foldable handlebars of the present invention at its unfolded position.

[0012]FIG. 4 shows the exploded view of the foldable handlebars of FIG. 3.

[0013]FIG. 5 shows a cross section view of the foldable handlebars of FIG. 3.

[0014]FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the foldable handlebars of the present invention at its unfolded position comprising another folding device.

[0015]FIG. 7 shows the exploded view of the foldable handlebars of FIG. 6.

[0016]FIG. 8 shows a cross section view of the foldable handlebars of FIG. 6.

[0017]FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the foldable handlebars of the present invention at its unfolded position comprising a another preferred folding device.

[0018]FIG. 10 shows the exploded view of the foldable handlebars of FIG. 9.

[0019]FIG. 11 shows a cross section view of the foldable handlebars of FIG. 9.

[0020]FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the foldable handlebars of the present invention at its unfolded position comprising another preferred folding device.

[0021]FIG. 13 shows the exploded view of the foldable handlebars of FIG. 12.

[0022]FIG. 14 shows a cross section view of the foldable handlebars of FIG. 12.

[0023]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the foldable handlebars of the present invention at its unfolded position comprising the most preferred folding device.

[0024]FIG. 16 shows the exploded view of the foldable handlebars of FIG. 15.

[0025]FIG. 17 shows a cross sectional view of the foldable handlebars of FIG. 15

[0026]FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the foldable handlebars of the present invention at its folded position.

[0027] In all the above mentioned cases, when both ends of the handlebar are folded they are parallel to the bicycle axis and fixate the steering system , holding in place the front wheel.

[0028] With respect to folding systems for the cranks, there are three basic types, which are also represented by photos, in which:

[0029]FIG. 19 presents a perspective frontal view of the left crank without a pedal,

[0030]FIG. 20 presents a perspective rear view of the left crank without a pedal,

[0031]FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the left crank without a pedal,

[0032]FIG. 22 presents a perspective frontal view of the right crank without a pedal showing the crank arm at its operative position,

[0033]FIG. 23 presents a perspective view of the right crank showing the crank arm at a 90° rotation angle,

[0034]FIG. 24 presents a perspective view of the right crank showing the crank arm at its folded position with a 180° rotation angle, and

[0035]FIG. 25 presents a exploded view of the right crank at its operative position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The present invention refers to a kit consisting of the folding system comprising a set of foldable handlebars and a set of folding cranks. The foldable handlebars and cranks can be used with any kind of bicycle, including conventional, folding and detachable bicycles, by simply removing the original handlebars from the steering column and the original cranks of a bicycle and replacing by the handlebars and the cranks of the kit of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 3 shows the foldable handlebars at its unfolded position, consisting of a pair of levers (5) mounted on the central part (1) of the handlebars and the left and right arms (3) of the handlebars.

[0038] As illustrated on FIGS. 4 and 5, the lever means (5) is mounted with a fixing head (6) and a stem (7) which passes through a rubber washer (8), a body of the lock (9), and a retaining spring (11). This assembly associates the central part (1) and the arm heads (2 and 4) of the handlebars by passing the stem (7) through the coincidental holes from both central part (1) and arm head (2 and 4). This assembly is fixed on the central part (1) of the handlebars by means of a fixation nut (10) at one end of the stem (7).

[0039] Both left and right arms (3) of the handlebars may be folded by pressing downward the levers (5) to release the retaining spring (11) which pushes the body of the lock (9) allowing the arm head (2 and 4) to rotate in a 90° angle. This procedure permits the handlebars to achieve the folded position as illustrated at FIG. 18.

[0040] The reaction force to the forces imposed by the cyclist effort plane is absorbed through the locks (9) at the ends of the arm heads (2 and 4) of the handlebars and the ends of the central part (1) of the handlebars.

[0041]FIG. 6 also shows the foldable handlebars at its unfolded position, consisting of a pair of levers (4) mounted on the central part (1) of the handlebars and the left and right arms (2) of the handlebars.

[0042] This example of locking system differs from the aforementioned such that as illustrated on FIGS. 7 and 8, the lever means (4) is mounted on the inferior face of the handlebars with a fixing head (5) and a stem (6) which passes through a rubber washer (7), a metal washer (8) and a elongation (9). This assembly associates the central part (1) and the arm head (3) of the handlebars by passing the stem (6) through the coincidental holes from both central part (1) and arm head (3). This assembly is fixed on the central part (1) of the handlebars by means of a fixation nut (10) at one end of the stem (6).

[0043] Both left and right arms (2) of the handlebars may be folded by pressing the levers (4) to create a space between the arm head (3) and the central part (1) of the handlebars allowing the arm head (3) to rotate in an 90° angle. This procedure permits the handlebars to achieve the folded position as illustrated at FIG. 18.

[0044]FIG. 9 shows the foldable handlebars at its unfolded position, comprising another preferred folding system consisting of a pair of push button (7) located on the central part (1) of the handlebars and the left and right arms (3) of the handlebars.

[0045] As illustrated on FIGS. 10 and 11, the pair of push button (7) is mounted on a fixation nut (6), a washer (10) and a retaining spring (9). This assembly is mounted on the j-shaped body of the lock (5) which passes through a hole that cross the central part (1) of the handlebars. A fastening screw (8) associates the central part (1) and the arm heads (2 and 4) of the handlebars by crossing the coincidental holes from both central part (1) and arm head (2 and 4).

[0046] Both left and right arms (3) of the handlebars may be folded by pressing downward the push buttons (7) to push down the retaining spring (9) which downs the j-shaped body of the lock (5) releasing the arm heads (2 and 4) to rotate in a 90° angle. This procedure permits the handlebars to achieve the folded position as illustrated at FIG. 18 and it is locked at this position when releasing the push button (7) which will release the retaining spring (9) bringing the j-shaped body of the lock (5) to its lock position.

[0047] The forces from the cyclist effort plane are absorbed through the relief of the arm heads (2 and 4) and the central part (1) of the handlebars.

[0048]FIG. 12 shows the foldable handlebars at its unfolded position, comprising another preferred folding system consisting of a push button (7) located on the central part (1) of the handlebars and the left and right arms (3) of the handlebars.

[0049] As illustrated on FIGS. 13 and 14, the pair of push button (7) is mounted with a retaining spring (8) and a body of the lock (6). This assembly passes through a hole that cross the central part (1) of the handlebars. A fastening screw (5) associates the central part (1) and the arm heads (2 and 4) of the handlebars by crossing the coincidental holes from both central part (1) and arm head (2 and 4).

[0050] Both left and right arms (3) of the handlebars may be folded by pressing downward the push buttons (7) to push down the retaining spring (8) which downs the body of the lock (6) releasing the arm heads (2 and 4) to rotate in a 90° angle. This procedure permits the handlebars to achieve the folded position as illustrated at FIG. 18. When the arms (3) of the handlebar are at the folded position, the push button (7) achieves a second hole in the arm heads (2 and 4) which also contains a retaining spring (8) and a body of the lock (6). The releasing of the push button (7) will lock the handlebars at the folded position.

[0051] The forces from the cyclist effort plane are absorbed through the relief of the arm heads (2 and 4) and the central part (1) of the handlebars.

[0052]FIG. 15 shows the foldable handlebars at its unfolded position, comprising the most preferred folding system consisting of a push button (5) located on the central part (1) of the handlebars and the left and right arms (4) of the handlebars.

[0053] As illustrated on FIGS. 16 and 17, the push button (5) is mounted with a releasing screw (2), a body of the lock (7), a retaining spring (6) and a fastening screw (8). This assembly crosses the coincidental holes from both central part (1) and arm head (3 and 9) of the handlebars. The fixation screw (8) associates the central part (1) and the arm heads (3 and 9).

[0054] Both left and right arms (4) of the handlebars may be folded by pressing the push button (5) such that the retaining spring (6) is pushed into the hole of the body of the lock (7) allowing both arms (4) of the handlebars to rotate in a 90° angle. This procedure permits the handlebars-to achieve the folded position as illustrated at FIG. 18.

[0055] The forces from the cyclist effort plane are absorbed through the relief of the arm heads (3 and 9) and the central part (1) of the handlebars.

[0056] The left crank of the present invention illustrated at FIGS. 19 and 20 comprises a crank head (2) that can be easily mounted on any commercially available pedal-sprocket, without needing special tools to substitute this bicycle piece. A crank arm (1) is arranged with the crank head (2) such that said crank arm (1) is able to rotate along its longitudinal plane with a 180° rotation angle.

[0057] As we can see from FIG. 21 the crank arm (1) is connected to the crank head (2) through an elastic rotation axis (3) and a lock axis (4) having a reduced diameter in the middle of said lock axis (4). The crank arm (1) also comprises a lock device (6) that is easily moved down and upward with the user's thumb to release and lock the crank arm (1) between its operative and folded position. When the lock device (6) is pulled down a retaining spring (7) is compressed allowing the middle part of the lock axis (4) to flush with the crank arm (1) surface and releasing the crank arm (1) to rotate freely along its longitudinal plane with a 180° rotation angle. Returning the lock device (6) to its upper position it will lock the crank arm (1) at any desired rotational position.

[0058] The right crank of the present invention are illustrated at FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 showing the crank arm (1) positioned at its operative position (without rotating the arm), at a 90° rotation angle position and at its folded position (with a rotation of 180°), respectively.

[0059] The assembly of the right crank of the present invention is similar to the left crank, however comprising additionally a fastening nut (8) to fix the crank head (2) to any commercially available pedal-sprocket and to the left crank of the invention, as we can see from FIG. 25.

[0060] The cranks of the present invention can also be used with any kind of pedal by simply attaching the pedal at the external end of the crank arm (1).

[0061] Note that when the crank arms (1) are rotated in a 180° angle (folded position), the pedal attached to the external end of the crank arm (1) will be directed towards the frame of the bicycle.

[0062] With the use of the system proposed here, one can store three bicycles in the space normally occupied by one, with some extra space remaining. In extreme cases, it's even possible to store bicycles under conventional beds (see illustrated example 6, consisting of photos 6 a and 6 b), which currently is completely impossible for a common bicycle (see illustrated example 7, consisting of photo 7).

[0063] Another advantage of a favorite feature in this invention is the inclusion of a kit composed of a set of handlebars and a set of cranks, or an adapter for the handlebars and crank set (single or double-type part) using the folding system proposed here. This type of kit can be better seen through the photos shown in the illustrated example 8. The illustrated example 9 also shows an enlarged photo of a detail relative to the connection between the cranks and other photos showing a bike using the system of the invention, put aside and under an automobile.

[0064] That way, the user of any kind of bicycle could substitute, at any moment, the existing conventional system for one of the systems described here, taking advantage of the above mentioned features. Therefore, this utility model, by means of this original handlebar and crank folding system, provides an effective gain in the reduction of space necessary for storing bicycle, or, even better, to maximize storage space, as shown by the illustrative examples 10, 11 and 12 of a conventional bicycle adapted with one of the proposed handlebar and crank folding system of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. System for maximizing space, to store bicycles, characterized by the possibility of being able to fold both the handlebars and the cranks of any kind of bicycle, reducing significantly the space required to store it.
 2. System according to claim 1, wherein the foldable handlebars comprise: a pair of levers (5) that acts on a retaining spring (11) which moves the body of the lock (9), arms (3) of the handlebar able to rotate through a 90° angle when the levers (5) are pressed.
 3. System according to claim 1, wherein the foldable handlebars comprise: a pair of levers (4) that create a space between the arm head (3) and the central part (1) of the handlebars when pressed, arms (2) of the handlebar able to rotate through a 90° angle in the spaced created by pressing the levers (4).
 4. System according to claim 1, wherein the foldable handlebars comprise: a pair of push buttons (7) to push down the retaining spring (9) which downs the j-shaped body of the lock (5), arms (3) of the handlebar able to rotate through a 90° angle when the push buttons (7) are pressed.
 5. System according to claim 1, wherein the foldable handlebars comprise: a pair of push buttons (7) to push down the retaining spring (8) which downs the body of the lock (6), arms (3) of the handlebar that rotate through a 90° angle when the push buttons (7) are pressed.
 6. System according to claim 1, wherein the foldable handlebars comprise: a pair of push buttons (5) to push the retaining spring (6) into a hole in the body of the lock (7), arms (4) of the handlebar that rotate through a 90° angle when the push buttons (5) are pressed.
 7. System according to claim 1, wherein the foldable handlebars comprise: a lock device (6) that press a retaining spring (7) allowing the middle part of the lock axis (4) to flush with the crank arm (1) surface, crank arms (1) able to rotate through a 180° angle along its longitudinal plane. 